PBS denies ‘Wow China’ program promotes Chinese propaganda

The Philippine Broadcasting Service (PBS), owner of Radyo Pilipinas, on Tuesday denied that its program "Wow China" is promoting alleged Chinese propaganda amid criticism online.

According to PBS, Wow China is an hour-long education program that has been airing on Radyo Pilipinas RP1 since 2018. It is co-hosted by a PBS anchor and broadcast in Filipino.

"[T]he show features the traditions, culture, and history of both the Philippines and China; as well as the differences and similarities between the two countries," the PBS said in a statement.

"Its format is light, informative, and entertaining; in no way whatsoever does it espouse or promote a particular political view or cause," it added.

Senator Risa Hontiveros has expressed concern over the program which she claimed "promotes China and its state ideology."

However, PBS defended that the show is "meant to enhance cultural relations, information exchange, and to strengthen technical capacity in broadcast and publishing."

PBS said that they have also worked with other countries, including agreements with the United Kingdom's BBC, Thailand's Sawasdee, and PBS-BBS which is in cooperation with the Voice of America.

They have also been airing news and features on the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and the Burenei Indonesia Malaysia Philippines - East Asian Growth Area through another independently-produced program.

"PBS recognizes everyone’s constitutional freedoms, and respects the views and sentiments of the public and the netizens - and their right to share these on their social media channels," it said.

PBS also said that they have been at the forefront of disseminating relevant information amid the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.

"Let us not create confusion, cultivate fear and anger, or propagate divisiveness at a time when the country needs us to stand united; instead, let us work together to overcome this challenge as one nation," it said.

"Now, more than ever, PBS remains steadfast and true to its mandate of being the broadcast arm of the government of the Republic of the Philippines and its people," it added. — DVM, GMA News